Major Investment In The River LINE
There are some issues we cannot fix with a bill, or by passing a new law. Making trains run on time, and ensuring they don’t break down repeatedly, is one of them. That is why we’ve used our platform to hold NJ Transit accountable over the years each and every time YOU let us know there was a problem. No matter how big, how small – we relayed each concern. And we brought NJ Transit executives to appear before you not once, but twice in townhall settings. With you, we demanded better.
For years we have been banging the drum on behalf of the River LINE commuters. And now, the promise to improve this service, is indeed a promise that has been kept. This fall, NJ Transit announced that it would take full control of both the operations and maintenance of the River LINE, cutting out the middleman of its vendor effective in the 1st Quarter of 2026. This was a promising announcement after years of the River LINE suffering from maintenance, equipment, communication, and safety issues.
Last week we saw a tangible example of this commitment: NJ Transit unveiled a refurbished railcar - complete with exterior and interior repairs and renovations. Undoubtedly these upgrades, which include lighting, seating, flooring, high-tech cameras, overhauled engine, real time communications, will improve the overall rider experience and reliability. Fourteen rail cars in total will be renovated over the next two years – a $30M investment- as NJ Transit develops plans to fully replace the entire River LINE fleet in the years ahead. This will modernize this service, make it safer, and more reliable. Everything we expect, and riders deserve, from a mass transit system. And let’s be clear – this is a direct result of YOUR advocacy!
And, in honor of America’s 250th Birthday this year, the car is wrapped in special graphics, that not only serve as a reminder of this momentous, historic year, but is symbolic because it connects our past to our present as we continue to move forward. Thank you to my longtime friend, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and team for making a real investment in this often forgotten rail line that so many in Mercer, Burlington and Camden Counties rely on.
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